Our belief? Hair is sacred. And it’s connected to what we consume. That being said, we’re on a journey to reconnect with some of nature’s best summer hair healing foods.
Have you ever noticed that nature knows exactly what we need during each season? As we enter peak summertime, dehydration, heat, and UV rays are affecting us both internally and externally. Now, we know our outer appearance is a reflection of what’s going on inside, so what we eat during this time is important. Let’s dive in.
Why Nutrition Affects Hair Health?
You already know the importance of a healthy hair diet. But as we enter into different seasons, our hair likely develops different needs.
Summer time is known for heat waves, high humidity, and moisture loss which may lead to dry, brittle hair and scalp inflammation.
But at the same time, we’re also a lot more active during the warmer months. Between spending time outdoors hiking, rafting, beach bumming or more frequent travel- these can spike cortisol (a stress hormone) and promote oxidative stress.
Your diet is your first line of defense, providing your cells, organs, and body with hydration, antioxidants, and scalp loving nutrients. Hence, the importance of incorporating these summer superfoods onto your plate. Check out our top 10 faves below.
Top 10 Summer Hair Superfoods
#1. Watermelon
It’s one of our favorite melons of the summer. High in water, citrulline and lycopene, watermelons support superior hydration and increase blood flow for scalp circulation. Eat as is, juice it, or put it in a salad. All are the perfect refreshing summer treat.
#2. Coconut (Water & The Meat)
Coconuts have always been one of my summer hair holy grails. A great beverage for increasing electrolytes and hydration, it’s meaty insides also bring healthy fats to your body to promote hair elasticity. So whether you’re choosing to drink, eat or add coconut oil to your hair- this superfruit will never disappoint.
#3. Berries, Baby!
Strawberries, blueberries, and acai to name a few. These are rich in Vitamin C for collagen production while antioxidants offer protection. These are the perfect on the go snacks or you can add into your smoothies for a refreshing and filling boost.
#4. Leafy Greens
Spinach, arugula, and dandelion are great sources of iron, folate, vitamin A. These are all necessary to boost follicle health and reduce shedding. Not only are these easy to grow as a part of your beauty garden, but they make for a great salad base or adding into smoothies, too.
#5. Avocados
Another hair superfood that I can’t get enough of. Avocados are full of biotin, vitamin E, and other healthy fats making them ideal for hair softness and strength. Personally, I like to eat them by themselves. But they make for great dish toppings or spreading on toast.
#6. Mango
Mangoes are super refreshing for us and the perfect sweet treat! Mango sticky rice, anyone?
This sweet fruit promotes sebum production and shine as they are loaded up with silica and beta-carotene.
#7. Cucumber
Cucumber water is known as a great hydrator. Rich in silica, cucumbers can also provide a cooling sensation for irritated scalps. After all, sunburn happens there, too.
#8. Salmon (Or Seaweed If You’re Plant-Based)
In my ideal Hairadise, the waters that surround the island are filled with both salmon and seaweed. Why? Because they contain high amounts of omega 3s. These fatty acids are important to fight inflammation and support hair follicle density.
I swear every time I have salmon I can hear my hair sending me thank you’s, lol.
#9. Pineapple
Some might say I had a slight obsession with pineapples in my 20s. From home decor to even getting a tattoo of one. Honestly, they’re like super cute and tropical so how could I not? Anyway, of course I’m going to mention them on this list.
In all seriousness, they contain bromelain, known for reducing inflammation while supporting digestion. This also helps cells absorb the proper nutrients. In basic terms, your body is able to break down toxins so your hair can grow strong and healthy.
#10. Herbal Refreshers
Herbs for hair are always a great idea. Plus, there are so many ways to use them in your summer hair rituals. Ingesting will promote circulation, loosen mucus and detoxify. Herbal refreshments also offer internal cooling, which makes it great for those hot summer days at the beach or just chillin’ in the backyard. Wouldn’t you love a hibiscus tea or lavender lemonade?
Tips To Incorporate These Into Summer Hair Rituals
Now that we’ve covered the top summer hair superfoods, here’s how you can incorporate these into your rituals.
Add Tropical Meal Bowls. From acai smoothie bowls to salmon poke bowls, there’s a variety of ways to fill your plate (or bowl) with tropical fuel for your body and hair. You can buy somethings prepackaged while others you’re able to meal prep easily to grab and go during the week.
Hydration Hacks. Make fresh squeezed juices from these superfoods and store in the fridge for easy accessibility. Infuse water with berries, cucumbers, or minty herbs for a refreshing & fruity thirst-quencher. Natures’ chill pill, if you will.
Super Snacks.
Cut up fruit chunks and spears for storing in small glass containers. These are the perfect midday snacks to grab for a boost of sugar while your on the go.
DIY Hair Treatments.
These superfoods have served as multipurpose tools for us since ancient times. Not only do they fuel the body, but can also be used topically as hair treatments. Try a hair tea rinse, an avocado conditioning mask, or a coconut scalp oil to root your lengths and strands back to nature.
What Should You Avoid During Summer
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of the summer heat. All the pool parties, cook outs, vacations might tempt you with lots of processed treats. But, excessive sugar and alcohol can result in dry hair and inflamed follicles. (Let’s give the wine slushies a pass though- that’s still a fruit smoothie in my book, haha!)
Additionally, too much heat from spicy or fried foods really puts a lot of added pressure on the gut and block proper nutrient absorption. But before you plan on skipping meals to save your calories for the weekend seafood boil, you may want to think again. Skipping meals can result in a blood sugar crash which releases cortisol and can ultimately trigger hair shedding as the body’s stress response.
As you can see, it is super importance to intentionally consume in-season summer superfoods in the name of hair health. Because it starts from within. Incorporating these as meal time or hair care rituals can promote hydration, reducing the risk of dry, brittle hair.
Want to DIY a summer hair ritual with these superfoods that cater to your hair energy archetype? First, discover your hair energy. Then head over to our 7 Tropical Smoothies For Hair You Can DIY This Summer. See you there!